Record Information

Requesting Records
Records may be requested from the Lancaster County Archives in person, by email, or by U.S. mail. All outside requests must be submitted by email or regular mail. Photocopies of records are $0.25 per page plus any postage charges. Please do not send advance payment. Archives staff will send payment notice with the requested copies for all requests under $10. The archives staff cannot perform in depth research but will check available indices for names during a given time period.

Records Available
County departmental offices such as the Recorder of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, Register of Wills, and the Prothonotary represent the originating office for a variety of historical records now maintained within the archives. For recent records concerning property, criminal records, probate, or civil suit please contact the above county office first. The principal record series within the archives include land, birth, marriage, and death records but researchers should consult the inventory for a more comprehensive listing of potential historical sources.

Land Records
Deeds were recorded beginning on May 10, 1729 when the county was first formed. Digital images of all historical deeds back to 1729 are available through the Lancaster County Recorder of Deeds. Researchers should contact the archives first to find references available within the indices. Early land warrants, surveys, and patents are kept at the Pennsylvania State Archives.

Genealogy Resources

Look to our Genealogy Resource Guide to see what Birth, Marriage, Death, and other helpful Miscellaneous Records are available to assist in your genealogy search!